Everything Everywhere has partnered with Barclaycard to “revolutionise” the way customer pay for high street goods, by launching the first commercial contactless mobile payment service
Everything Everywhere has partnered with Barclaycard to launch the first commercial contactless mobile payment service for high street items, which it claims is as significant as the launch of the first credit card 40 years ago.
The service, available from the second quarter, will allow Orange customers to use their handset to pay for goods in more than 40,000 retail locations across the UK, by waving it over a contactless reader.
Retailers already signed up include Pret a Manger, EAT, Little Chef and Co-Op. A number of transport companies will be added shortly it said, but this will not include the London Underground.
The service will not be available for T-Mobile customers, however.
Everything Everywhere said it is working with tier-one manufacturers for handsets to carry NFC technology, which will be available at launch. It refused to name partners, but Samsung and Nokia have already produced NFC ready handsets.
The service will be available to both prepay and contract customers.
Customer will require an Orange credit card, or Barclays credit or debit card to top up their NFC account, which they must register to the device.
Customers can manage their accounts online through the MyBarclaycard website, as well as view up to 30 days transaction history from the handset. Users can also add a security pin to be entered prior to making a transaction.
Everything Everywhere chief development officer Gerry McQuade said: “This is the beginning of a revolution in how we pay for things on the high street. It’s a cultural shift that is as important as the launch of the personal credit card or ATMs.
“We’re making something that’s been talked about for many years a reality and, very soon, using your mobile to buy a sandwich, a cinema ticket or, in time, even something bigger like a computer will simply be the norm.
“This is part of our wider strategy to re-define what people use their mobiles for, with mobile payments being the start.”
